Association Meeting Minutes – March 20, 2015

Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Association
Meeting Minutes
Friday, March 20, 2015

The meeting of the Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Association was held at the Cove Ridge Center on Friday, March 20 at 12 pm. Present at the meeting were Jim Addington, Robert Chapman, Gretchen Cope, Margaret Crouch, Pam Eddy, Larry Fleenor, Joe Fuller, Grant Harding, Ramona Invidiato, Megan Krager, Bob McConnell, Wanda McConnell, Barbara Reed, Benny Reed, Joan Short, and James Stallard.

Introduction of Visitors:
President of the Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Association Joan Boyd Short introduced Ramona Invidiato with Sycamore Shoals State Park. She welcomed her to the meeting.

Report from Nominating Committee and Election of Officers:
Bob McConnell announced the nominated officers and directors for 2015 as follows:

President – Joan Short
Vice-President – Dale Taylor
Secretary – Gretchen Cope
Treasurer – Joe Fuller
Historian – Larry Fleenor

Directors – Jim Addington, Charlie Allen, Erwin Forrest, Jean Hood, John Mullen, Ron Short, Jim Stallard, Bob McConnell (Director Emeritus), and John Stafford (Director Emeritus)

There were no nominations from the floor and Jim Addington moved that the nominations be accepted by acclimation. Benny Reed seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously.

Approval of Minutes from January meeting:
Bob moved that the minutes be approved as written. Benny seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously.

Treasurer’s Summary Report:
Joe Fuller delivered the Treasurer’s Report. A full copy of the report is filed in the Secretary’s archive.

Benny moved that the financial report be approved. Larry Fleenor seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously.

Report from Sycamore Shoals:
Ramona Invidiato reported that several members of their militia group were involved with a large reenactment of the battle of 1812 in New Orleans. She further explained that there were several upcoming events in the park, one of which was the Siege at Fort Watauga which was scheduled for May 15-17.
Cumberland Gap State Park:
Pam Eddy reported that one of their upcoming events was the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Daughters of the American Revolution placing the monuments that mark the Wilderness Road on June 13.

Report from Natural Tunnel:
Robert Chapman reported that the park would be purchasing about 100 acres that would connect park property to the Clinchport area. He also announced that a Yurt would be built in the campground in the near future and that four additional two bedroom cabins would be added as well. Robert then reported that the Governor was set to visit the park in May. He explained that he would like to host a dinner at the Cove Ridge Center and asked if the Association might consider providing funding to cover half the cost of the meal. Bob moved to cover that cost. Joe Fuller seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously.

Report from Natural Tunnel State Park Educational Specialist:
Megan Krager distributed a flyer that listed all the Trail Talk programs. Megan announced that the park interpretive programs were picking up and they would be very busy from April on through the summer months.

Report from DBWT Interpretive Center:
Bob reported that the scope of the exhibits had been completed and they were working closely with Design minds regarding the content. He hoped that the content would be completed by summer.

President’s Report:
On behalf of the Association, Joan presented Wanda McConnell with a bouquet of flowers. Joan explained that they were all very happy to have Wanda back.

Joan went on to thank all the volunteers that represent the Association at events at the Blockhouse, Carter Cabin, and other areas along the Road. She explained that the Old Christmas program was cancelled due to cold weather. She further explained that the Harvest Festival had a good turnout and they were hoping for the same with the Frontier Muster and Trade Faire in April.

Joan also reminded those in attendance that there were several Trail Talks planned throughout the year. For every month that the Association did not have sponsored event a Trail Talk was planned. So far, Larry Fleenor had given a talk about the earliest explorers to the area and Bill Cawood discussed what the terrain would have been like in the late 18th Century.

She also mentioned that Dr. Fleenor had generously given a few essays to the Association for publication on the website. They were in the process of making a few alterations to the website to find the appropriate place for the essays. Bob McConnell suggested that all of the Trail Talks be documented in order to preserve the historical content. Putting the information on the website was also discussed.

Progress was being made in the effort to strengthen relationships up and down the trail. DBWTA hosted a history summit in January where most organizations were represented and Joan believed that the Association and the other related groups were moving in the right direction.

Blockhouse Report:
The Blockhouse Volunteer schedule was passed around and members were encouraged to sign up. It was announced that shirts with the logo and “Interpreter” embroidered on it were available. Any member interested in getting a shirt could contact Joan.

Old Business:
There was no old business.

New Business:
There was no new business.

Announcements:
Wanda McConnell thanked the members for their prayers and support throughout her recovery.

Adjournment:
Margaret Crouch moved to adjourn. Bob McConnell seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously.
Action Items:
Gretchen Cope – Work with the Times News on reformatting the website to create
an appropriate place for essays and Trail Talks
– Put links to websites of friends up and down the trail